Policy Formulation and Implementation in Nigeria: The Bane Of Underdevelopment

Abstract

Over the years in Nigeria, excellent policies have been formulated, but the problem is that only an insignificant part of these numerous policies are implemented. There is no visible and significant development to show for this. This suggests that mere formulation of policies should not be the major issue in Nigeria but rather their effective implementation, as it is only effectively implemented policies that can bring about national development. Against this background, this study discusses the reasons that militate against effective implementation of policies in Nigeria and the solutions to the problem. This work also enumerated some of the public policies that have failed in the country. The paper reveals, among other reasons, corruption, poor funding of policies, lack of continuity in government policies, lack of political will, inadequate human and material resources, and clarity of purpose are responsible for policy failures in Nigeria. The consequences of public policy failures to the citizens in particular and the country in general were stated, some of which are less patriotism, underdevelopment and non human capital development.